Basic Training
Unique Account Identifiers
Connect Radio user accounts are unique to each subscriber and there are several identifiers linked to each radio. In addition to the serial number printed on each radio, a subscriber will be assigned a:
1) call sign 2) alias and 3) identification number.
CALL SIGN
The call sign is primarily used by the 911 center to identify you and your radio as a Connect user and a Connect device. Connect radio call signs fall within the assigned numerical range of 8700 through 8999 (8763,8863 and 8963 are restricted and cannot be issued to Connect users). This range has been set aside for Connect users only and each subscriber is assigned a unique call sign by the 911 center. When someone presses the transmit button on radio linked with Atlanta's 911 center, the dispatchers get a visual pop-up on their computer screens that displays the call sign and alias associated with that transmitting device. They use those pieces of information to help determine who the transmitting party is. That is why it is critical that Connect subscribers keep this information up-to-date, so that dispatchers can appropriately identify users even if they are unable to voice their name, business or location.
If you do not know the call sign associated with your account, use your Connect radio to transmit to a dispatcher and ask him or her if your numerical call sign is visible on their screen. If they say no, then please use the inquiry form on this site to notify the Police Foundation and that will be corrected.
ALIAS
The radio alias is an abbreviated string of letters and numbers (between 8-10 characters) that serves to further identify a Connect user. Due to visual character limits within the 911 software, alias labels that include anything more than 12 letters or numbers get visibly cut off and thus any additional characters won't be seen by the dispatch team. An ideal scenario would have each alias describe the address and business name of the Connect user, but that is not possible. It is for this reason that alias names will include the 4 digit call sign, a space and 7 remaining characters that best convey the business name associated with the Connect account. For example, The Widget Hotel in Midtown has a call sign of 8715, therefore its Connect alias might be "8715 Widget" or "8715 WidHotl". The call sign will be issued to each user by the Police Foundation in collaboration with the 911 center.
If you do not know the alias associated with your account, use your Connect radio to transmit to a dispatcher and ask him or her if your alias is visible on their screen. If they say no or if what they have needs to be changed, then please use the inquiry form on this site to notify the Police Foundation and that will be corrected.
P25 IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
This number is primarily used for account maintenance and internal purposes by 911 staff and technicians. Contact the Atlanta Police Foundation if you need to know what your ID number is, but please realize that users are not required to say or know their Id's when transmitting on Connect.
RADIO SERIAL NUMBER
This number is unique to your device and is located on the manufacturer label located within the battery compartment of the radio. This label will be affixed to the body of the radio, NOT THE BATTERY.
ENGRAVING
Your radio may be engraved with "COA" (city of Atlanta) and a number or other identifiers. These engravings are typically located on the side of the radio within the black plastic shell. If your radio has an engraving, this is non critical information and not used by any of the administers of the Connect program to track your device.
Programming Note:
APD's programming of Connect radios does not typically include the enabling of any additional buttons, features, frequencies, talk groups etc. beyond channel 1 Connect.
Connect will be programmed to channel 1 unless you are using your own radio AND channel 1 is already being used by your organization.
These are two of the more popular radios used on the Connect network, but they do not represent the only models capable of functioning on the network. Consult your manufacturer's user guide if you have a different model and have questions about its features and function.
How To Transmit and Talk On The Radio
When using a Connect radio to call dispatch, the user should:
1) Press and hold the transmit button for 1 full second PRIOR to talking. This will 'open' the channel to ensure that all your words are heard by the receiving party.
2) Say your call sign and your business/organization name, followed by "to Connect". For example: If I were transmitting on behalf of the Widget Hotel in Midtown whose calls sign is 8715, I'd say "8715 Widget Hotel Midtown to Connect". The dispatcher would respond with "Go ahead 8715 or Go ahead Widget Hotel". As described above, your alias (what the dispatcher sees on his/her screen when you're talking) will be an abbreviated description of your business, venue or organizations name. Therefore it is critical that you provide the full name and address you're transmitting from at the onset of your communication.
To continue using the Widget Hotel example, if they initiated their transmittal as stated above for the purpose of broadcasting a larceny suspect, they'd continue the dialog like this:
(C)onnect User - "8715 Widget Hotel Midtown to Connect"
(D)ispatcher - "Go ahead Widget Hotel"
C - "I'm located at 4500 Peachtree St, NE and I'd like to broadcast a BOLO in reference to a larceny"
D - "All units be on the look out for the following suspect in regard to a larceny at the Widget Hotel in Midtown, go ahead 8715"
C - "Be on the lookout for a tall white male, mid-40's, black clothing, carrying a red backpack. Last seen heading North on Peachtree St. from 4500"
D - "10-4, 8715, I'll alert nearby police patrol units"
C - "8715, thank you end transmission"
When transmitting, use clear, easily understood language. Be descriptive but not overly wordy and make sure the dispatcher knows what you're in need of, what you expect him or her to do and when you're concluding the conversation.
Radio Jargon
'Plain talk' or common everyday language is encouraged when communicating via Connect, however some commonly used jargon is OK too.
You may hear some of these commonly used terms:
"10-4" - this means OK, or got it or understood.
"Received" - this means your transmission or request has been heard and understood.
"Copy" - this means your transmission or request has been heard and understood.
"BOLO" - This means be-on-the-lookout for someone, some thing or a vehicle. When BOLO's are given, users should take time to write down the descriptors being transmitted, the reason why the requesting party is providing the BOLO and if possible, take the time to assist in locating the target of the alert.
"Radio check" - This is used to determine if a radio is functioning properly and can be heard on both ends. Users and dispatchers may request a radio check at any time and the typical response to such a request is that the transmissions are "loud and clear".
MAJOR PUBLIC SAFETY EVENTS
The Connect frequency will be used by APD in partnership with Atlanta's Ambassador Force, to disseminate timely public safety information in times of major events. When major events are pre-planned, such as parades, Super Bowl's etc., a representative of the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District will be embedded in APD's Joint Operation's Center for the purpose broadcasting significant updates to the subscriber network.
When pre-planning is not an option because of the nature of the incident (e.g. active shooter, large fire, etc.) and APD dispatch becomes consumed with managing the unfolding event, the ADID will become the lead communicator on Connect. They will restrict non-emergency communications from subscriber's and disseminate one-way updates as they are made available by APD public affairs. The purpose for doing this is to ensure that the subscriber network remains up-to-date on the significant event and aids in the effort to keep people and property safe. Once the event concludes, a broadcast will be made so to return the channel to normal operations and turn it back over to APD dispatch.